Gregory A. Wonka

Gregory A. Wonka, 86, of Dayton, Ohio passed away July 15, 2020 at Kettering Medical Center.

Gregory was preceded in death by his parents, Gustave and Elizabeth (Boeger) Wonka, his brothers, Richard and Robert Wonka, sister Carolyn Wonka, and nephew Bobby Wonka.

He is survived by his four children, Elizabeth (Christopher) Fowler of Centerville, Ohio, Christine (Neil) Neaderhiser of Sumter, SC, Michael (Natasha) Wonka of Chicago, IL and Richard (Nicole) Wonka of Buffalo, WY. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Curtis, Sam and Sydney Fowler, Ryersen Wonka and John, Charles and Thomas Wonka. His sister Helen (Frank) Keane also survives him along with five nieces and two nephews.

Gregory was a lifelong resident of Dayton, Ohio. He graduated from Mt. St. John High School in 1952. He then attended the University of Dayton, earning his Bachelor of Science in Education. He worked his way through school by working at Sheffield Corporation. Greg continued his love of learning by earning his Master of Education degree in 1976 from Xavier University.

Greg taught at Trotwood High School, Beavercreek Schools, and finally Colonel White High School, where he retired in 1982.

Greg married Nancy L. Thirifay in August of 1960 and purchased their home on Illinois Avenue in 1961, where they raised their four children, made lifelong friends and created many, many memories; notably neighborhood 4th of July block parties including fireworks, volleyball games, carbide cannons and outdoor Laurel and Hardy movies.

Greg's love of history and politics led him to run for the mayor of Dayton in 1977 and then for a seat on Dayton's City Commission in 1979. He was an active member of St. Mary Church and St. Anthony Church where he made Christmas wreaths and candles to decorate the church. In the 1970's he was responsible for the landscaping surrounding St. Anthony Church and was known for playing Santa Claus at the Christmas bazaars.

Once an avid storyteller, Greg recently suffered from vascular dementia, struggling to remember recent events. He did however have a firm grasp on past events. He instilled in his children many of his passions.

Beth and Chris loved having Dad's help putting up outdoor Christmas lights on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Beth inherited his love of reading, history and politics. She also carries on his talent of making wreaths and flower arrangements.

Christine also inherited Dad's love of decorating for Christmas, gardening, and shopping of all things.

Michael was Dad's assistant with household projects, especially anything involving a hammer and nails. He also inherited Dad's love of visiting old churches.

Richard still finds THE biggest tree to decorate for Christmas and continues the tradition of the diversion (kid's) tree. To this day he loves anything Star Wars and remembers seeing the original movie with Dad.

Curtis proudly remembers Grandpa as his Confirmation sponsor, trips to his house on Illinois Avenue and the smell of mothballs. He experienced his first St. Paddy's Day parade in Cincinnati, eating Irish stew at Arnold's and visiting Crowley's Pub in Mt. Adams with Grandpa.

Sam fondly remembers many outings as well. He especially liked going out to lunch and shopping at Brooks Brothers and definitely inherited his love of Brooks Brothers from Grandpa.

Sydney remembers shopping with Grandpa at Woody's Market in West Carrollton buying sodas and lottery tickets (for Greg, not Sydney), many tours of University of Dayton's campus, especially the book store.

We are saddened that Dad is gone, but know it's a blessing that he no longer has to suffer the debilitating disease that is dementia. We know that it was time for him to go since he could no longer experience the things he loved most; going out to lunch, enjoying a cold beer, and shopping at Brooks Brothers as they have filed for bankruptcy.

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